Application of 1926.800 to lone employees working underground in a tunnel or shaft connected to a tunnel.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

May 3, 2001

Mr. Craig Jorsch
Safety Coordinator
International Union Operating Engineers, Local 150
20959 West Lockport Road
Plainfield, IL 60544

Re: §1926.800(c) and 1926.800(f)(5); Employees working alone in a tunnel or a shaft connected to a tunnel

Dear Mr. Jorsch:

Positive identification of persons working underground in tunnels and shafts, caissons, cofferdams, compressed air tunnels.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 16, 1977

Mr. Dewey Bowers
Director of Safety
Fruin-Colnon
1706 Olive Street
Saint Louis, Missouri 63103

Dear Mr. Bowers:

This is in response to your letter dated October 14, 1977 concerning positive identification of persons working underground in tunnels and shafts, caissons, cofferdams, and compressed air tunnels. We were pleased to meet with you on October 6, 1977 in order to discuss these matters.

Use of Mapp gas, oxygen, and acetylene in a tunnel.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 19, 1976

Mr. Bernard J. Forquer
Safety Administrator
Raymond - Kiewit - Tidewater
P.O. Box 201
Lusby, Maryland 20657

Dear Mr. Forquer:

This is in response to your letter dated March 30, 1976 regarding use of Mapp gas, oxygen, and acetylene in a tunnel.

In the context of OSHA safety standards and regulations, Mapp is not considered an LPG. This is based on the definition of Liquified Petroleum Gas in 29 CFR 1926.155(j) and the definition of Methylaretylene-Propadiene, Stabilized, in NFPA 51-1969.